OpenAI Joins Tech Lobbying Group, Seeks to Influence AI Regulation in Washington

OpenAI joining major tech lobbying group as it seeks to expand Washington influence: OpenAI, the company behind the widely popular ChatGPT, is set to become a global member of BSA | The Software Alliance, a prominent lobbying group representing the tech industry in Washington, DC.

• The move comes as OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman look to increase their influence in the nation’s capital, with Altman making multiple trips to meet with lawmakers and government officials since ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022.
• BSA has been a leading industry voice in the ongoing global debate around AI regulation, advocating for what it calls the responsible development of AI and pushing for federal rules to address the hundreds of proposals emerging from state legislatures.
• OpenAI will join a roster of BSA members that includes its commercial partner Microsoft, as well as other major tech companies like Zoom, Oracle, and Salesforce, and AI startups such as Cohere.

Expanding OpenAI’s policy presence: OpenAI’s decision to join BSA is part of a broader effort to engage with policymakers and shape the regulatory landscape surrounding AI.

• Earlier this year, the company hired Chris Lehane, a veteran Democratic operative, as its vice president of public works, signaling its intent to navigate the complex policy issues surrounding AI development and deployment.
• As governments worldwide grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, OpenAI is positioning itself to be a key player in the discussions that will ultimately shape the future of the technology.

Implications for the AI regulatory landscape: OpenAI’s membership in BSA underscores the growing importance of AI in the tech policy arena and the need for industry stakeholders to engage with policymakers.

• With the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their potential to disrupt various sectors of the economy and society, the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks has become a pressing concern for governments, industry, and civil society alike.
• By joining forces with other tech companies through BSA, OpenAI is likely to have a more significant voice in shaping the AI regulatory landscape, potentially influencing the direction of federal rules and industry best practices.

As OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of AI development with products like ChatGPT, its increasing involvement in policy discussions will be closely watched by those seeking to understand the future of AI governance and the role of industry in shaping it.